Are you considering starting yoga? Perhaps you have a few questions or concerns? These answers to some frequently asked questions might help put your mind at rest.

I’m not very flexible, can I still do yoga?

Yes, everyone has different levels of flexibility and most yoga poses can be adapted accordingly.  Your flexibility will certainly improve with the ongoing practice of yoga.

If you’re a beginner and haven’t exercised for a while, your practice will begin with gentle stretches and strength building exercises.  If you’re young and fit, yoga can be a fabulous addition to your exercise program, keeping your muscles supple and helping to prevent injury.(If you have a pre-existing medical condition or injury you should check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.)

What do I wear for yoga?

Stretchy or loose clothing, such as track pants and a t-shirt are suitable.  Yoga is done barefoot.  In cool weather it is a good idea to bring something warm for the relaxation part of the class. If it’s warm you may like to bring a bottle of water.

Do I need a mat?

Yes, for hygiene reasons, your own yoga mat is a good idea.  However, we have few spare mats available if needed. When shopping for a mat look for a yoga mat, rather than a Pilates mat. Pilates mats tend to be slightly narrower, more spongy and have less grip than yoga mats.

How long is a class?

Most classes are one hour and fifteen minutes long.  This allows sufficient time for relaxation and/or meditation, as well as the physical practice of the asanas (postures).

Can I try a class before committing?

You are very welcome to attend any of our classes on a casual basis, giving you the opportunity to see if the style of yoga and teaching suits you. If you choose to keep attending classes you can continue to book and pay casually, however a more cost effective option is to buy a multi-class pack.

How often should I practice?

You will begin to feel the benefits of yoga with as little as one class a week, but the more you do, the more quickly you will see and feel the changes.  Yoga can also practice at home – an extra half an hour, a couple of times a week and you will really begin to reap the benefits.

Can I do yoga if I’m pregnant?

Yoga can be very helpful during pregnancy. It can help expectant mums deal with the physical and emotional strains of pregnancy, support the health of mum and bubs, and provide a range of useful tools for a natural birth. If you have been practicing beforehand, you can continue with your usual class up to the start of your second trimester (provided that you’re NOT practicing hot yoga or very strong vinyasa). If you are new to yoga you should wait until the end of your first trimester and join a special prenatal yoga class.

Can guys do yoga?

Absolutely!  Yoga is equally suitable for men and women, and can be a great adjunct to competitive sport, helping to keep muscles supple and prevent injury.  It’s also fabulous for core strength building and postural alignment.

How is yoga different other forms of exercise?

Yoga combines structured, physical poses (asanas) conscious breathing (pranayama) and guided meditation to balance mind and body, and bring a sense of calm and relaxation.  Yoga shares many of the benefits of other forms of exercise, including improved health of the cardiovascular system (heart and arteries) and the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, joints and ligaments).  But it is quite unique in its ability to soothe the nervous system.

Is yoga a religious practice?

Yoga is not a religion. It is a lifestyle philosophy that began in India around 5,000 years ago which was designed to achieve ‘enlightenment’, simply interpreted as the release from desire and suffering. Because it was developed within a Hindu context, Yoga sometimes interweaves Hindu philosophies and concepts, but it is certainly not necessary to subscribe to Hinduism in order to practice yoga.